most things are

Religion Question

Everyone knows that religion has no satisfactory definition. Nevertheless, most people know what they recognize as religion, know what they mean by “a religious person,” etc. What people typically recognize includes “official” religiosity – ritual practice, sacred texts, ordained positions, etc.

If that were all there was to religion, though, religion would look a lot different than it does. A lot goes on “behind the scenes,” sometimes not even recognized by participants themselves.

Here’s a basic question (modified for the occasion): if a woman makes salad for the church salad luncheon that is traditionally held on “Oaks Day” (the Friday before the Kentucky Derby), is it “religious practice”? Ritual practice? If not, why not?